In Hamburg-Winterhude next to an Alster canal, a 6-storey housing unit including an underground car park is being constructed. The north side of the building features the pertaining courtyard above the underground car park. It constitutes the entrance to the back section of the building, affords space for a playground, for meeting and grilling, for planting as well access for the fire brigade. Three independent shapes structure the courtyard. They define the space for the various uses and also connect the courtyard with the adjacent spaces. At the south side of the building, the Alster canal embankment is renaturated. The protection of the embankment and the planting - both ecologically useful - turn the adjoining gardens and terraces into exciting spaces near the canal. The berths at the embankment, a housing-unit facility, permit the launching of rowboats and canoes owned by inhabitants